The spectre has raised fearful questions: how many inmates have fled Nigeria, and who are the insiders in the syndicate involved in the devious conspiracy? Two: are there those in prison who were not the actual persons convicted, but replacement figures as has been suggested in the past?
Nevertheless, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) has launched an investigation into how a convicted armed robber, Haruna Ayo, serving a life sentence (later reduced), was taken to a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) passport office in Lagos to process travel documents.
According to an exclusive report by Saturday PUNCH, the incident occurred on Wednesday, May 19, 2025. Ayo, an inmate at Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Apapa, was allegedly moved under suspicious circumstances to the FESTAC Town passport office.
A credible source revealed that Ayo, whose sentence was reduced to 21 years and further adjusted due to undisclosed considerations, was scheduled for release on October 11, 2025.
On the day of the incident, he was one of five inmates assigned to perform menial tasks at the residence of the custodial centre’s officer-in-charge. During the assignment, a warder, reportedly acting under orders from a superior, requested that Ayo be handed over. He was then taken to the passport office.
While waiting at the facility, the escorting officer abruptly stated that Ayo needed to be returned to his cell, raising suspicions among NIS officials. Both the inmate and the warder were detained, and the matter was escalated to NCS headquarters in Alagbon. Two correctional officers, including one identified as Femi, were subsequently suspended.
Medical Excuse Used for Passport Processing
Sources disclosed that Ayo had previously claimed a medical condition requiring treatment outside the prison. Under that pretense, he had been making moves to obtain a passport and visa through a proxy since the previous year.
“It started as a supposed medical issue,” a source said. “But investigations later showed that the inmate had already passed three medical assessments deeming him fit. The health claim was a cover for him to move around and process travel documents. There’s suspicion that the hospital involved may have colluded with him.”
The incident came to light amid heightened scrutiny following the controversial treatment of celebrity inmate Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky. After top officers were suspended in that case, new leadership at Kirikiri imposed tighter security measures, which disrupted privileges some inmates had been enjoying — including Ayo. His protests and threats of blackmail prompted a deeper probe, which led to the discovery of his attempts to flee the country.
A Systemic Failure?
The revelation has sparked outrage within the correctional service. “How does a convicted robber get to the stage of applying for a passport?” one source asked. “It’s a scandal, and it points to a systemic rot.”
Over the years, Nigeria’s correctional system has been dogged by allegations of corruption, bribery, and VIP treatment of inmates. In 2024, Saturday PUNCH reported that prison officials allegedly collected N35 million in bribes to provide Bobrisky with preferential treatment during his incarceration. Leaked audio also suggested he paid heavily for a private apartment inside the prison, leading to disciplinary action against several officers.
That same year, officials at Afikpo Custodial Centre, Ebonyi State, were accused of smuggling an inmate out of prison to visit his girlfriend.
NCS Reacts
Confirming the recent incident, NCS spokesperson Abubakar Umar said investigations are underway and one officer has already been suspended.
“The staff member suspected of misconduct has been suspended to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation,” Umar stated, adding that updates would be shared upon conclusion of the investigation.
Legal Community Reacts
Legal and human rights experts have condemned the incident, questioning how an inmate could reach the stage of passport application undetected.
Tolu Babaleye, a legal practitioner, said, “It’s an embarrassment to the correctional system. Inmates are not supposed to step outside prison walls except for court appearances or with court orders. Allowing them to run personal errands makes a mockery of justice.”
He added that some convicts are even allowed to leave prison to commit crimes and later return to share the proceeds with warders — a practice he called “disgusting and dangerous.”
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong also weighed in: “Incarceration means deprivation of liberty. Allowing inmates out for personal reasons, including sexual activity, is unlawful. Officers involved must be held accountable.”
Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN), former Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, described the situation as a “gross failure of internal control.”
“Unless inmates leave with a valid court order or for a lawful assignment, any movement outside the facility is illegal. The leadership must enforce discipline and restore integrity within the service,” he said.
● This report is based on a published material in The Saturday PUNCH.
